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DNA Of Incan Child's Remains Incidate Diverse Gene Pool

By R. Siva Kumar | Update Date: Nov 19, 2015 11:41 AM EST

The remains of a seven-year-old found in the Andes mountains tell a sorry tale to the Spanish researchers that have found them. His DNA suggests that the population had more diversity before it was colonized by Spanish explorers, according to the Guardian.

Secondly, the seven-year-old Incan boy had supposedly been "sacrificed."

He had been found in 1985 just near the peak of one of the world's highest mountains, the Aconcagua. Once his mummified remains and DNA were examined, the scientists discovered that his genetic strain has "virtually disappeared in modern South Americas."

The scientists studied and explained how they felt that the gene pool was "radically altered" due to the colonization

"Up to 90 percent of native South Americans died very quickly," said Antonio Salas, lead researcher. "You can imagine a lot of genetic diversity was lost as well."

Another important part that influenced the death of the natives was disease and illness.

When they "cross-referenced the information with records, the scientists could discover three genetic matches in society today, according to Science Alert.

The study was published in Nature.

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